Sophie Wilding, a candidate on The Apprentice’s new series, has given Hermione Grainger a run for her money after revealing she has a witch school qualification.
The boutique cocktail bar owner, 32, is a self-confessed ‘magical and enchanting’ contender for Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment.
During the Meet The Candidates preview episode, she told Matt Edmondson: ‘I’ve got an educational degree, I’ve done three levels of witch school.
Wow! Sophie Wilding, a candidate on The Apprentice’s new series, has given Hermione Grainger a run for her money after revealing she has a witch school qualification
‘I’ve got magic in my fingertips, I’ll sprinkle some magic on you.’
The blonde bombshell took to Instagram on Sunday to share a snap of a delicious-looking cocktail alongside a menu from her bar, Imperial Haus, in Cheltenham.
In her caption, she wrote: ‘Cocktails, Potions, Enchanted Tipples @imperialhaus.’
Having previously worked in sales and has huge renovation plans for her bar, she added: ‘Failure is not an option. Winning is part of my DNA.’
Moody: The boutique cocktail bar owner, 32, is a self-confessed ‘magical and enchanting’ contender for Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment
Spooky: The blonde bombshell took to Instagram on Sunday to share a snap of a delicious-looking cocktail alongside a menu from her bar, Imperial Haus, in Cheltenham
Playful: In her caption, she wrote: ‘Cocktails, Potions, Enchanted Tipples @imperialhaus’
It comes after the full lineup for the 2022 series of the BBC One reality show was finally released ahead of its return this week, after being rested for two years due to the Covid pandemic.
A former rugby player, an eco warrior, Nicki Minaj superfan and self-dubbed ‘Asian version of Lord Sugar’ lead the diverse 16-person group who will battle it out in the boardroom.
This year’s group features eight women and eight men from a wide range of business backgrounds, with specialists in online pyjama sales, the retail industry and the food and drink market.
It’s back! The Apprentice will return for its stellar 16th series in January with Lord Alan Sugar putting his trust into aides Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell to watch over the candidates during challenges
The contestants are set to face the toughest challenges ever due to many businesses across the UK having been negatively affected by the pandemic.
Amstrad mogul Lord Alan, 74, is joined by longtime ally and advisor Baroness Karren Brady and series one winner Tim Campbell.
He is replacing Claude Littner for the series while he recovers from multiple surgeries following a serious E-Bike accident.
The hit series is now in its 16th season, having began in 2005 as a groundbreaking show which featured some of the country’s best young business minds hoping to secure a job with the then Sir Alan.
Over the years, Lord Sugar has invested close to a staggering £3million into winning pitches and this year’s ambitious entrepreneurs will be doing their utmost to prove they mean business as they fight it out for the life-changing investment opportunity.
The Apprentice starts this Thursday, January 6 at 9pm on BBC One, followed by You’re Fired on BBC Two. Watch live and on-demand on BBC iPlayer.
THE APPRENTICE 2022: MEET THE MEN
Occupation: Flight Operations Instructor
Lives in: Chorley, Lancashire
Key information: Having served in the RAF for 12 years as Flight Operations Instructor, Aaron has set out to start his own security business.
He says: ‘My strongest point is that I can sell to anybody and I think that’s the reason Why my business will be a success, because people will buy from me.’
Occupation: Owner, Digital Marketing Agency
Lives in: London
Key information: Referring to himself as a man who believes sleeping is a ‘waste of time’ he also claims his first word as a newborn was ‘profit’.
He says: ‘My friends call me AK 47 because I’m a killer salesperson.’
Occupation: Sales Executive and former Professional Rugby Player
Lives in: London
Key information: Hard working and ‘hyper motivated by money’, ex rugby player Conor describes himself as a ‘corporate panther’ with a record for getting deals done and who will win this series.
He says: ‘I’m going to be the corporate panther in the boardroom, I’m going to get it done, and I’m going to be Lord Sugar’s perfect business partner.’
Occupation: Pharmacist
Lives in: London
Key information: Qualified pharmacist and Nicki Minaj superfan Navid aspires to create a successful pharmacy business with the help and expertise of Lord Sugar.
He says: ‘Nothing intimidates me because I just feel like I’m a strong character, strong person, strong mindset.’
Occupation: Strategy Manager for a Financial Firm
Lives in: London
Key information: Akeem considers himself a people’s person who loves being around others, however as a ‘numbers guy’, his analytical ability often causes him to think carefully about his every move, as he claims he will come in with a ‘calculated point of view.’
He says: ‘My growing up has made me who I am, I’m able to converse with everyone, but also able to show that financial, business side to myself.’
Occupation: Owner, Commercial Cleaning Company
Lives in: Hertford
Key information: With big goals for his commercial cleaning business, Alex is driven, focused and is ‘not going to stop’ until he gets where he wants to go.
He says: ‘I would compare myself to a Ferrari, shiny on the outside but under the bonnet, there is a lot of fire and I’m coming for you.’
Occupation: Regional Operations Manager
Lives in: West Midlands
Key information: Inspired by the kindness of his grandparents, Harry wants to help and support people.
He says: ‘Everything I’ve looked into achieving, I’ve achieved I’ve literally done everything I’ve put my mind to.’
Occupation: Finance Manager
Lives in: London
Key information: After ‘working in the shadow of his family’s business’, qualified accountant Nick hopes to make a name for himself in the drinks industry with his line of flavoured water.
He says: ‘In business I’m a bit of a force to be reckoned with I know what I’m talking about, I know how things work, and I’m extremely experienced So, I’m a bit of an animal in the boardroom’
THE APPRENTICE 2022: MEET THE WOMEN
Occupation: Owner, beauty brand
Lives: London
Key information: Starting her beauty business a little later in life, Amy has now found what she really loves doing after previously working in sales, showbiz and jingles.
She says: ‘I can be nice when I need to be, but when I unfortunately have to be a b***h, I will…’
Occupation: Hotel front of house manager
Lives: Bristol
Key information: Brittany is looking to break away from her hotel role and launch the first alcoholic protein drink, with Lord Sugar’s help.
She says: ‘My motto for life is ‘always look on the bright side’
FRANCESCA KENNEDY-WALLBANK, 26
Occupation: Owner, sustainability company
Lives: Surrey
Key information: The eco-conscious, mathematics graduate is looking for investment in her next venture, providing a product carbon footprint service for businesses with a simple equation of her own creation.
She says: ‘There’s two types of people in the world- people that say they are going to do things and people that actually do them and I’m a doer’
Occupation: Owner, dessert parlour
Lives: West Yorkshire
Key information: Describing herself as a born leader, fearless and funny, Harpreet plans to ‘level up’ her successful, six-figure coffee and cakes business to become a leading brand in the UK.
She says: ‘I’m definitely not in business to make friends. I’m here to make money, and I’m sure Lord Sugar isn’t looking for a new mate.
Occupation: Owner, online pyjama store
Lives: Swindon
Key information: Kathryn has worked a wide range of jobs from mortgage advisor to events manager. Describing herself as ambitious, kind, and often ‘savage’, she says she’s there to win, not to make friends.
She says: ‘My dreams in my head are absolutely huge and I believe I can achieve them.’
Occupation: Owner, boutique cocktail bar
Lives: Cheltenham
Key information: Describing herself as ‘magical and enchanting’ Sophie even has a witch school qualification. She previously worked in sales and has huge renovation plans for her bar.
She says: ‘Failure is not an option. Winning is part of my DNA.’
Occupation: Owner, online children’s store
Lives: Kent
Key information: With her East-London roots, the blonde is hoping to bond with Lord Sugar and match his no nonsense attitude towards business. She’s looking for funding to develop her designer store and be part of the growing pre-loved fashion industry.
She says: ‘I’ve got grit, determination and I’m determined to be successful.’
Occupation: Owner, children’s day nursery
Lives: Bradford
Key information: Shama already has a busy work life running her children’s day nursery as well as juggling life with five children at home. She is ready to prove she has the ‘skillset that is required to be one of the best, successful businesswomen in the early years sector.’
She says: ‘Being a lady of colour, wearing a headscarf as well and the challenges that we face on a daily basis, I just want to be a living example for the Asian women out there.’
Share or comment on this article: